Back in 2000, Volkswagen approached ICP Solar to produce a solar charger to prevent its car batteries from going dead in the time until the car was sold on the dealer lots. Despite our reputation for quality products in the automotive aftermarket, we were ill-prepared to deal with one of the top 10 car makers in the world. The stringent process diligence and quality specification windows were simply too narrow for us to reach. Additionally we had a few gregarious snakes biting at our ankles trying to trip us up on the way to the finish line (competition can be nasty!).
In 2004, when VW was ready to put the contract up for tender again, they once again approached us and asked if we were ready. Needless to say, it was the chance that I had been waiting for after having had it stolen from under my nose (literally!). We put great resources together and just last month delivered our first lot to VW in Mexico. Below is a picture of the product created internally at ICP for the automotive industry:
The press release announcing the launch of our wonderful creation is out tonight. We have patents pending on the intellectual property and have already been approached by others with a view to supplying their needs as well. Not only does this point to yet another great use of solar power, but it shows that our team has come a long way. Indeed there are kudos and thanks which I wish to express publicly for this achievement:
Luc- For perseverance beyond the norm and a drive to deliver.
Phil- For keeping us in check and ensuring we are dead on with quality.
Tony- For keeping the old clock ticking well enough to make new solar technology.
Steve- For simply making the job look so easy.
Spencer- For having helped us drive a team in the right direction of quality, ethics, honesty and integrity.
Andrew- For bringing your good business sense and humor to a most demanding bidding process during your short stay at ICP Solar.
Po- For your patience, wisdom and help to understand that mexican beer only kills off the weaker brain cells.
Arlene- For picking up where many others left off, and taking us to the next level in so many ways, and in such a short time.
…and to many others who have helped to make this dream come true. Thanks to all of you, ICP reached a pinnacle otherwise impossible.
Solar regards,
Sass Peress
3 Comments
While stretching my legs a few months ago in an industial park where we’d stopped for breakfast, I was shocked to see a car dealership employee walking around the lot just starting all the cars. When asked, he explained they idle every car on the lot for about 15 minutes every morning! I just didn’t know what to say. Not all dealers do this, I gather. But if solar chargers prevent some of this kind of toxic waste, good on you, and good for Volkswagen for using them.
sass…………….i am most impressed………..what a great idea and product. i know that you are justifiably proud of your accomplishments in this, the “first” industry of the new industrial revolution and the 21st century ..touche`
The process of save the car battery through the solar power is very useful and also this project will led to make great change in the world.
solar energy is the future while other sources of renewable energy will be kind of complementary.I also decided and developed a web page for solar called “SOLAR ENERGY AND SOLAR POWER”